I related this reading to my own home and others I have spent a lot of time in, and was surprised at how accurate this theory reading was at defining a comfortable living space. I thought it was funny how far dorm life strayed from this ideal living space. Here are some words of wisdom I picked up from the reading:
the intimacy gradient
The basis for any space should be dependent on the intimacy gradient. The entrance is the most public area as well as the most impressive and formal area of the house. Most casual acquaints and visitors will stop here for a conversation and leave. Following the intimacy gradient, next is a common area and kitchen, a place for friends and family to gather to eat and talk together. These common areas are at the heart of the building, and should be a comfortable meeting place. Finally, in the most intimate area of the house should be rooms for each resident to have to themselves. Bathrooms find their place between the common and private areas of the house, a comfortable distance for each.
 |
| http://www.curtainsforbaywindow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/drapes%20for%20bay%20windows.jpg |
Sunlight
Ideally, the sun should shine at the southern side of the house. The amount and location of the sunshine determines the overall mood of the house, and therefore is a very important aspect of the design. The porch would be well suited for south-west, whereas the bedrooms are best in the south-east, and the common room in the full south. The kitchen should also have sun, as it is a place where a lot of people should gather.
Movement/ the Common Room
The movement between the rooms is crucial to the social fabric of the house. The common room must be tangent to and centered on the main pathway. That way those who walk by to get somewhere have the opportunity and excuse to enter, but are not forced to stop. Main rooms should be equally accessible to all areas of the house (from visitors to residents) and be a place of destination. Common rooms should have elements of interest like a fire, television, seating, an exit to the outdoors, and close proximity to the kitchen.
 |
| http://www.palmbeachcountryestates.com/photos/P150/foyer.jpg |
Entrance
The entrance should have windows that allow the resident to see who awaits or acknowledge the visitor with a friendly wave before they open the door. An entrance should provide shelter outside for the visitor to wait under in case of poor weather conditions. Also, because goodbyes can be awkward, there may be a separation or "break" between the door and the actual departure, like a porch with a wall or step. This creates another level to make the exit less harsh. Another good idea is a shelf near both the entrance and exit for placement of things like packages, keys, purses, etc. to help the person remember their belongings on the way in or out. The entrance should also have some sort of obstruction that allows the door to remain open with out allowing people to see into any rooms. That way the idea of an open, welcoming household is achieved without taking away from the privacy of the family. Near the entrance should be a "dead corner" for storage of shoes, coats, etc.
 |
| http://blog.mocha.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Modern-hallway.jpg |
Hallways
Hallways between rooms should allow generous movement that encourages a person to move from room to room. To create friendly hallways one should make them spacious and give them natural light. Passages should be short, light, flow together with the other rooms, and be furnished to create the feel of a room. They should feel lively, not the uncomfortable spaces between rooms. Even better than passages are loops that tie rooms together and that allow for ample movement.
Stairs
Stairs are important because the connect the levels of the house, but they are more than just a passage. They should be open and embrace the room below, becoming part of the room as they descend. Stairs can serve as a stage, for a speaker or a dramatic entrance, or an extra seat for company. They should be visible from the entrance, but set apart to keep the distance between the intimate and the visitors. The staircase "forms an axis for people to keep in their minds."
 |
| http://www.indiaonrent.com/forwards/b/beautiful-mountains/res/593qen.jpg |
Views
The beautiful views the house's location offers should be put in areas of transition. That way, people are forced to find them and enjoy them in short term intervals, which prevents them from being absorbed as part of the house. By framing exquisite views in large windows, the view becomes like artwork in a house, not the stunning landscape that surrounds.
No comments:
Post a Comment